Man who pepper-sprayed, robbed victim still at large

ROCHESTER — Police continue to search for the man who reportedly robbed a man near Market Basket after attacking him with pepper spray.

According to police, the victim was “flagged down” by a man on Chestnut Hill Road in Farmington Friday morning. The suspect told the victim that his vehicle went off the road and he needed a ride.

After the suspect exited the victim's vehicle on Northcoast Drive in Rochester, he reportedly sprayed the victim with a chemical described as being pepper spray, and then fled the scene on foot after taking the victim's cell phone and money.

A composite image of the suspect has been provided by Rochester police.

Police Sgt. Todd Pinkham said Monday that so far, no witnesses have come forward, and police do not have any new leads to the crime.

He said “we are hoping for the public's help” in helping to identify the suspect, and anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to contact the police.

The victim did not report any injuries in connection to Friday's robbery, other than the pain that comes with being sprayed with the pepper spray.

“It's a temporary pain,” said Pinkham.

He said the pain can last anywhere between a half-hour to two hours. The chemical can be washed off using cold water and soap that is not oil based.

Police have also submitted physical evidence to the State Police Forensic Laboratory, where the evidence is currently being processed.

The suspect is described as a white male in his early to mid-20s, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build. He had a full beard that was neatly trimmed and he was wearing blue jeans, white sneakers and a blue New England Patriots sweat shirt with a matching pompom hat at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Rochester Police Department at 330-7127. Alternatively, calls can be made to the Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500. All calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential and rewards may be given for information leading to an arrest. Those with information can also text the Rochester Crimeline at Crimes (274637). In the body of the text, write TEXT4CASH followed by a tip.